The European Space Agency (ESA) and the African Space Agency (AfSA) have successfully concluded a joint training course, bringing together young engineers from both continents to strengthen cooperation in space systems engineering. The event marks a significant step in building a shared future in space exploration and development.
Held from October 7 to 10, 2025, at ESA's facility in Belgium, the course hosted 30 students from 24 different countries, including 13 participants from Africa. This initiative is a key component of the broader Africa-EU Space Partnership Programme, aimed at fostering collaboration across the entire space value chain.
Key Takeaways
- ESA and AfSA hosted a joint Space Systems Engineering Training Course for 30 students from 24 nationalities.
- The program is part of the Africa-EU Space Partnership Programme, funded by the European Commission's Global Gateway initiative.
- The course focused on practical skills like mission design, risk management, and budgeting, using hands-on simulations.
- Officials emphasized the importance of investing in people and building genuine partnerships alongside technological development.
- The collaboration is set to expand, with more joint training initiatives planned to foster long-term research and innovation between Europe and Africa.
A Foundation for Intercontinental Collaboration
The recent training course in ESEC-Galaxia, Belgium, represents more than just a technical workshop; it is a deliberate effort to build human connections and institutional ties between Europe and Africa's burgeoning space sectors. The program operates under the umbrella of the Africa-EU Space Partnership Programme (AESPP), a flagship project designed to enhance cooperation in satellite technology, data applications, and policy development.
By bringing together a diverse group of young professionals, the agencies aim to create a network of future leaders who can drive collaborative projects. The presence of 13 engineers from various African nations underscores a commitment to mutual growth and shared expertise.
The Africa-EU Space Partnership Programme
The AESPP is a strategic initiative co-implemented by ESA and AfSA and funded by the European Commission. Its primary goal is to leverage space technology for sustainable development and to strengthen the space industry on both continents. The program covers areas from satellite manufacturing to the use of space data for agriculture, climate monitoring, and disaster management.
This educational partnership is seen by both agencies as a critical investment. While technology and infrastructure are vital, the development of a skilled workforce is considered the cornerstone of a sustainable space industry. This sentiment was echoed by officials involved in the program.
“This training goes beyond engineering. It’s about creating the conditions for genuine partnership, where expertise, opportunities, and visions are shared across continents.”Nigel Savage, ESA Academy Training Administrator
The course signals a strategic shift towards what many are calling 'space diplomacy through education,' where technical training serves as a bridge for building lasting international relationships.
Inside the Training Program
Participants in the four-day course engaged in a comprehensive curriculum covering the fundamental aspects of space systems engineering. The sessions were designed to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical, hands-on experience, preparing the students for real-world challenges in the space industry.
Core Engineering Principles
The curriculum was structured to give a complete overview of a space mission's lifecycle. Key topics included:
- Requirements Engineering: Defining the objectives and constraints of a space mission.
- Mission Architecture: Designing the overall structure and components of a spacecraft and its support systems.
- Budgeting and Scheduling: Managing the financial and time-based resources for a project.
- Risk Management: Identifying, assessing, and mitigating potential problems during a mission.
These subjects were taught by seasoned professionals from ESA, who shared their extensive experience from working on numerous European space missions. This direct access to expert knowledge is a crucial component of the program's value.
A Global Classroom
The 30 students selected for the course represented 24 different nationalities, creating a uniquely multicultural and collaborative learning environment. This diversity is intended to mirror the international nature of modern space exploration.
An Interactive Approach to Learning
A standout feature of the training was a dynamic simulation exercise focused on project management. In this interactive game, students were divided into teams and tasked with navigating the complexities of a project schedule while managing unforeseen risks and tight deadlines.
The simulation was designed to replicate the high-pressure decision-making environment of an actual space project. It pushed participants to work together, think critically, and develop creative solutions under pressure. This experience-based learning method helps solidify theoretical concepts and builds essential teamwork skills.
Investing in People for a Shared Future
Both ESA and AfSA have emphasized that the ultimate goal of these joint initiatives is to invest in human capital. The development of a skilled workforce is seen as paramount to the long-term success of Africa's space ambitions and the continued strength of the Europe-Africa partnership.
According to Hamdi Kacem from AfSA, the focus on people is a strategic necessity.
“For AfSA, the collaboration represents a milestone in advancing African capacity building within the global space community. Every investment in infrastructure or technology must be matched — and even surpassed — by investment in people.”Hamdi Kacem, African Space Agency
This philosophy is reflected in the enthusiastic feedback from the participants. For many, the course provided not only technical skills but also invaluable networking opportunities and a broader perspective on the global space industry.
A participant from Liberia highlighted the practical benefits of the training, stating it “provided practical knowledge in mission design, payload analysis, and system engineering.” The student also noted the development of teamwork and leadership skills gained from collaborating with international peers.
The Path Ahead for ESA and AfSA
The successful conclusion of the Space Systems Engineering Training Course is just one step in a much larger plan. ESA and AfSA intend to continue and expand their joint training programs under the AESPP, with future courses planned to cover other specialized areas of space engineering and technology.
The long-term vision is to create a self-sustaining cycle of knowledge transfer, innovation, and collaboration. By equipping a new generation of engineers and scientists with the right skills, the agencies hope to pave the way for more ambitious joint projects in research, technology development, and space exploration.
With each new cohort of trained professionals, the partnership between Europe and Africa in space becomes more deeply rooted. The message is clear: the future of humanity's journey to the stars is one that will be built on collaboration, inclusivity, and shared ambition.